Changing your name after divorce can be an important milestone in the healing process. Having your ex’s name attached to yours can be a constant and painful reminder of the relationship. You can file a petition to change your name while you are going through the divorce itself, or you can wait until afterward. You’ll need to file your petition with the court, and provide several documents. After you legally change your name, you’ll need to update many things like ID cards and documents. It can be a tricky process, and it’s easy to forget some of the documents you’ll need, so hiring an attorney can be your best bet to avoid the hassle. Hopefully, changing your name after divorce can bring you some closure and let you move on more easily.
Changing Your Name After Divorce: When and How
When to Change Your Name
Changing your name after divorce can take as long as you want it to. If you want to finalize your divorce and then think about your decision for a little while, it’s perfectly fine. However, you can also choose to change your name as part of the divorce proceedings. It will be part of your petition to divorce and the judge can rule on that during the rest of the divorce proceedings.
How to Change Your Name
If you are changing your name after divorce and want to wait until your divorce is final, you can petition the court for the name change any time you want. You’ll need to file an official petition and bring your documents with you, along with a small fee. If you are petitioning to change your name as part of the divorce proceedings, your attorney can help you fill out the correct paperwork.
What You’ll Need
To file a petition for changing your name after divorce, you’ll need to provide evidence that you aren’t changing it for any fraudulent reasons. To do this, you’ll need to provide the S.L.E.D. name change packet, which you can get from the court of clerks. In addition, you’ll need proof from the Department of Social Services showing you are not on a list for child abuse or neglect. You’ll also need a certified copy of your birth certificate. And finally, an affidavit stating if you are behind on child support or alimony.
Don’t Forget
Once you are done changing your name after divorce, you’ll need to remember to change it everywhere else. You’ll need to get a new social security card and driver’s license. In addition, you’ll want to update your bank and investment accounts. Don’t forget any professional licenses or educational degrees. And finally, you can also change your voter registration.
Changing your name after divorce can be a little complicated. It’s therefore helpful to get the assistance of an experienced attorney. You can choose to change your name during the divorce proceedings if you’d like. Otherwise, you’ll need to file a petition with the court. You’ll attend a hearing where you will need to prove that you aren’t changing it for any fraudulent reasons. To do this, you’ll have to bring various documents along with you. Finally, once you have done all of that, you can begin updating your name everywhere else. Hopefully, after you change your name, you’ll be able to get some closure on your divorce and move on to the next chapter of your life without the painful reminder of your ex’s name.